Saturday, Chris and Kristi made the big move over to this area. The Lord has blessed them with involvement with the Apartment Life ministry. Basically they get their rent paid by Apartment Life to be activity coordinators for an apartment complex. We believe this is an awesome place for a church planting family to be.
I am glad Chris is a former youth director. We had lots of help on the move.
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
:: Fuel 3 November
Monday night was the next step for our community. On all our journeys there are identifying points along the way. With your kids your remember first steps, first words, particular Christmases. I will remember last nights FUEL as the first cohesive coming together of the people in a community with a common sense of purpose. It is not that community hasn't happened before now, but there was some dynamic that has happened among us that has solidified this call of God from a vision God gave me to plant a church to a community God has brought together to pursue this purpose.
Mike did a good job of teaching no the life of Paul. We looked at the many influencers in Pauls life early. Stephen when he was stoned and asked the Father to forgive those involved. Paul was there watching Stephens Christ-like character. Ananias was obedient to God to go and pray for this controversial character recently converted named Saul of Tarsus. Then there was Barnabus, who risked his good reputation to bring Paul into the community of faith and stayed with Paul encouraging Him. Our lives are not to be to promote our individual ministries or even our community of faith for that matter, but to be those who will serve to see the kingdom of God extended whether through us or through others.
The aftermath of FUEL went into our next step as a community. We want to let people know we are here to gather people in, but at the same time don't want to lift our name up. We want Jesus to have the high place in all our doings.
On a practical level Mike pointed out how I might be too cautious in wanting everything to be just right and that we need to jump out and take some risks. I agree totally with this and am thankful as a community we already are seeing various people take roles that will see the whole community blessed.
As one old friend encouraged me at the beginning of this journey "Enjoy the ride". I like this ride called church planting, it is definitely an e-ticket.
Mike did a good job of teaching no the life of Paul. We looked at the many influencers in Pauls life early. Stephen when he was stoned and asked the Father to forgive those involved. Paul was there watching Stephens Christ-like character. Ananias was obedient to God to go and pray for this controversial character recently converted named Saul of Tarsus. Then there was Barnabus, who risked his good reputation to bring Paul into the community of faith and stayed with Paul encouraging Him. Our lives are not to be to promote our individual ministries or even our community of faith for that matter, but to be those who will serve to see the kingdom of God extended whether through us or through others.
The aftermath of FUEL went into our next step as a community. We want to let people know we are here to gather people in, but at the same time don't want to lift our name up. We want Jesus to have the high place in all our doings.
On a practical level Mike pointed out how I might be too cautious in wanting everything to be just right and that we need to jump out and take some risks. I agree totally with this and am thankful as a community we already are seeing various people take roles that will see the whole community blessed.
As one old friend encouraged me at the beginning of this journey "Enjoy the ride". I like this ride called church planting, it is definitely an e-ticket.
Thursday, November 20, 2003
:: Developing friendships and theology
As Shane was here this week, it seems we have had so many conversations that went toward our understanding God and His ways. There were many differing combinations of people and dialogues.
Shane and I have had long discussions this week on what are the basic elements of a church. We realized we both came at the subject from different ways. My way was to see the church as the people getting together and what they did. His way was more looking at the God purposed structure of a church to define it. We both gained a better understanding of the concept of the church as we discussed this for a couple of hours.
We also have been talking about our completeness in Christ and how that works out in our lives. It is that we are already complete in Christ but not yet. It is done. It was finished as Christ died on the cross, but we are still working out our salvation with fear and trembling. It is the already, but not yet of the kingdom that we currently live in.
Dialoguing with Shane this week has given me a much better view of where we are at as a community. We have equippers, worshipers, people who love children, people who are encouragers. I like the community God is building. Not that it really matters that I like it or not, but it is nice to be community with fellow travelers who work well together.
Shane and I have had long discussions this week on what are the basic elements of a church. We realized we both came at the subject from different ways. My way was to see the church as the people getting together and what they did. His way was more looking at the God purposed structure of a church to define it. We both gained a better understanding of the concept of the church as we discussed this for a couple of hours.
We also have been talking about our completeness in Christ and how that works out in our lives. It is that we are already complete in Christ but not yet. It is done. It was finished as Christ died on the cross, but we are still working out our salvation with fear and trembling. It is the already, but not yet of the kingdom that we currently live in.
Dialoguing with Shane this week has given me a much better view of where we are at as a community. We have equippers, worshipers, people who love children, people who are encouragers. I like the community God is building. Not that it really matters that I like it or not, but it is nice to be community with fellow travelers who work well together.
:: Fuel 3 November
Three guitars creating a very calm worship ambiance was a highlight of Fuel 3. It was a worship unplugged evening. We also were blessed with our friend Shane Kuhn joining us. It was a God send night. Shane brought a prophetic word to our budding community. It was centered in that our primary purpose needed to be listening for God and what God was up to and not taking the latest strategy we had read about and adopting it. I'll blog more in depth later on the prophecy.
Our discussion came from Luke 10 revolving around the story of Mary and Martha. It was a joy to hear many people fill out what God was saying to us through His word. We talked about possible obstacles for both Mary and Martha in sitting at the Lord's feet and focusing on Him.
Our discussion came from Luke 10 revolving around the story of Mary and Martha. It was a joy to hear many people fill out what God was saying to us through His word. We talked about possible obstacles for both Mary and Martha in sitting at the Lord's feet and focusing on Him.
Friday, November 14, 2003
:: Indie Allies
The Independent Christian thinkers meeting called Indie Allies was Tuesday night in Dallas. The meetings are made up of many emerging church folks from all over the metroplex. We have met people from existing emerging churches, traditional churches that having meetings that fit more of an emerging church environment, and people who just want to be in the dialogue.
Tuesday night we were at Standard and Pours coffee house in Dallas. Mark and I made the journey over. They make an awesome chai tea. I think Mark went for the frozen expresso with caramel and chocolate. Our conversation went many different ways, but we did rest on postmodern evangelism for a while. I think all of us agreed that relationships were primary. We also talked about how we live in community and how we live out the faith together is crucial for pre-christians. Pre-christians may even become part of the community before they embrace following Christ.
I have found Indie Allies to be not only a good dialogue but an important one as our community connects with the larger community of Christ in this area.
Tuesday night we were at Standard and Pours coffee house in Dallas. Mark and I made the journey over. They make an awesome chai tea. I think Mark went for the frozen expresso with caramel and chocolate. Our conversation went many different ways, but we did rest on postmodern evangelism for a while. I think all of us agreed that relationships were primary. We also talked about how we live in community and how we live out the faith together is crucial for pre-christians. Pre-christians may even become part of the community before they embrace following Christ.
I have found Indie Allies to be not only a good dialogue but an important one as our community connects with the larger community of Christ in this area.
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
:: Fuel 2 November
Chris and Mark facilitated last weeks Fuel while I was away coaching church plant teams. It was our largest group yet. Chris directed discussion on worship and how our lives are wrapped around that concept.
This week we had basically our committed core. Our conversation went toward what we hear God saying to us. Much of our dialogue went toward the concept of community and how important that was. Chris came up with a great illustration. We have been talking about HOC lanes (High occupancy community). The freeways here have HOV lanes (high occupancy vehicles). Chris gave the analogy of these lanes. When you are in community you are moving much faster than the rest of the traffic. When driving alone you are stuck at a slower pace. We realize as we all are just moving here and forming our lives we have an opportunity to mold community in a way that God is calling us. We are not all stuck in the traffic of busyness that happens so often in our society. We are looking forward to see how God unfolds community for us.
Another concept that was brought up last night was the importance of inviting people we meet into relationship, not into an organization. Church for us is a web of relationships. Each person who we encounter is a possible relationship for us and or for our community.
Our prayer: Lord direct us in this postmodern age, this pre-Christian society to be the community of Christ followers you would have us be.
This week we had basically our committed core. Our conversation went toward what we hear God saying to us. Much of our dialogue went toward the concept of community and how important that was. Chris came up with a great illustration. We have been talking about HOC lanes (High occupancy community). The freeways here have HOV lanes (high occupancy vehicles). Chris gave the analogy of these lanes. When you are in community you are moving much faster than the rest of the traffic. When driving alone you are stuck at a slower pace. We realize as we all are just moving here and forming our lives we have an opportunity to mold community in a way that God is calling us. We are not all stuck in the traffic of busyness that happens so often in our society. We are looking forward to see how God unfolds community for us.
Another concept that was brought up last night was the importance of inviting people we meet into relationship, not into an organization. Church for us is a web of relationships. Each person who we encounter is a possible relationship for us and or for our community.
Our prayer: Lord direct us in this postmodern age, this pre-Christian society to be the community of Christ followers you would have us be.
:: Church planter fever
Last week I had an amazing opportunity to be a coach at a Church Planting intensive put on by the Foursquare denomination in which we are part of. There were seven teams from this part of the country. I truly had the sense of serving other people who are partnering in the harvest. Jesus said the harvest is plentiful and the workers are few.
I appreciated Foursquares balance of the practical and the spiritual. Each team had times to discover the vision God had put in their heart, the values that were within them, the mission God had for them, and practical ways to reach others with the gospel. We also had times of worship and prayer. God showed up in powerful ways, speaking encouraging words to the planting teams, empowering them, healing them.
I consider it a privilege and an honor to be able to be involved in this opportunity. I pray even with our small community as it grows that we will never lose sight of serving other communities of faith in their attempts to spread the gospel of our Lord.
I appreciated Foursquares balance of the practical and the spiritual. Each team had times to discover the vision God had put in their heart, the values that were within them, the mission God had for them, and practical ways to reach others with the gospel. We also had times of worship and prayer. God showed up in powerful ways, speaking encouraging words to the planting teams, empowering them, healing them.
I consider it a privilege and an honor to be able to be involved in this opportunity. I pray even with our small community as it grows that we will never lose sight of serving other communities of faith in their attempts to spread the gospel of our Lord.
Saturday, November 01, 2003
:: Themes forming
As we learn to navigate living in a large urban area like the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex some themes are coming forth for our community.
The first is that of community itself. We understand that it is not enough to have a series of events each week to be a church. A true church is a true community where people are involved with one another and truly on this journey together, rejoicing with one another and crying with one another.
It seems to be community in this place we will have to eliminate busyness and other activities that keep us from community, we will have to consolidate our time with others who are in community. If you can travel with two, it is much better than traveling with one because community is happening. If your kids can participate in activities with others in the community, the community becomes stronger.
Inviting people into community is not inviting them into an organization. It is inviting them into friendship. Friendship with the community and friendship with our God.
Another them that is key is worship. Worship is a gateway to connecting with the kingdom of God here on the earth. Jesus asked us to pray "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven". It is our design to be those that extend the kingdom here on the earth and worship is a gateway that connects us with that design. Worship empowers us, encourages us and moves us. Most of all worship connects us with the maker of the Universe and invites our maker to direct us in His purposes.
The first is that of community itself. We understand that it is not enough to have a series of events each week to be a church. A true church is a true community where people are involved with one another and truly on this journey together, rejoicing with one another and crying with one another.
It seems to be community in this place we will have to eliminate busyness and other activities that keep us from community, we will have to consolidate our time with others who are in community. If you can travel with two, it is much better than traveling with one because community is happening. If your kids can participate in activities with others in the community, the community becomes stronger.
Inviting people into community is not inviting them into an organization. It is inviting them into friendship. Friendship with the community and friendship with our God.
Another them that is key is worship. Worship is a gateway to connecting with the kingdom of God here on the earth. Jesus asked us to pray "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven". It is our design to be those that extend the kingdom here on the earth and worship is a gateway that connects us with that design. Worship empowers us, encourages us and moves us. Most of all worship connects us with the maker of the Universe and invites our maker to direct us in His purposes.
:: Church Planter training
This week I will be an assistant trainer at a church planter training. It feels a little premature considering we are just a couple of months old and still in initial birthing stages, but I really sensed God saying go when the opportunity presented itself. Anyway we can encourage the extension of the kingdom of God fits for me.
Anyone that read this pray for 6 church planting teams that will be trained this week, that they would hear God and clarify their callings.
Anyone that read this pray for 6 church planting teams that will be trained this week, that they would hear God and clarify their callings.
:: Garage sales: divine appointments
God continues a trend for us in touching the community. This week I spoke with Ann Moore, she invited us to meet people at garage sales at her appointment complex which she was coordinating. We never know what relationships will develop from meeting various people. We pray God leads us and connects us to people who are not in the kingdom or are hungry for more of the kingdom of God.
My deluxe purchase this week was a stuffed quail. It may make a great Christmas present for someone. Don't tell if you read this post. We also found some CD's we liked for .75
A new suggestion to all Garage salers: put signs out somewhere beyond your property, preferably on major thoroughfares if you want people to come.
My deluxe purchase this week was a stuffed quail. It may make a great Christmas present for someone. Don't tell if you read this post. We also found some CD's we liked for .75
A new suggestion to all Garage salers: put signs out somewhere beyond your property, preferably on major thoroughfares if you want people to come.
:: Fuel 4 Oct
At Fuel our conversation went toward brokenness and pain in our lives. We read a portion from Henri Nouwen. The overview was that as followers of Christ we should embrace our brokenness and part of our existence. It is easy as a follower of Christ to push down any pain and brokenness in our lives and act like life is okay and we are okay when in reality we are wrestling.
Life is journey, and on the journey there is pain. It is inevitable. The world is not a redeemed world. It is still full of its own brokenness and sin. God is there though to guide us in our pain. Jesus even identified with all the sufferings that we deal with when He was on the earth.
I know in my own journey a welcome healing from pain and brokenness comes as my heart is turned toward God in worship. There is an encouragement that comes from Him in that time and space. Many times there is a calm that comes when I can worship Him admist the pain. A calm that doesn't take away the pain, but a calm that seems to say "It's okay, I'm there".
Life is journey, and on the journey there is pain. It is inevitable. The world is not a redeemed world. It is still full of its own brokenness and sin. God is there though to guide us in our pain. Jesus even identified with all the sufferings that we deal with when He was on the earth.
I know in my own journey a welcome healing from pain and brokenness comes as my heart is turned toward God in worship. There is an encouragement that comes from Him in that time and space. Many times there is a calm that comes when I can worship Him admist the pain. A calm that doesn't take away the pain, but a calm that seems to say "It's okay, I'm there".
Sunday, October 26, 2003
:: God has a way
After moving into our apartment complex, it didn't take us long to figure out that the management were not eager for us to tell people about the church plant. In reality they asked us not to put up any flyers or go door to door. For someone who was anticipating that as being the primary connecting point with people it was a bit of a hit. A part of me asked "God, why would you send us where we can't readily contact people?" But as so many times, I just needed to wait, to pray, and trust God for His provision, whether it fit my paradigms of life or not.
Saturday our complex had an all apartment garage sale. Since all the apartments have garages, over 20 apartments had sales. It was an awesome opportunity for us to meet people and let people know God has sent us here to plant a church. I remember John Wimber saying over and over "You have to tell your story and His story". Tell your story about what God is sending you to do and how He sent you. Tell His story of the cross and the wonderous things of the kingdom of God. So as we go out among people we are doing both, telling His story and our story. Saturday afternoon, Mark and I went out looking at apartments. He has found a job and is ready to find a place to live. At many of the places we shared how God has sent us here to start a new community of Christ followers. We had one apartment rep ask for more information and even say she would stop by and see what we were all about.
Gods ways are not my ways. My little mind can not even get close to the mind of God, yet He is faithful to speak in ways I can hear. What an amazing God He is.
Saturday our complex had an all apartment garage sale. Since all the apartments have garages, over 20 apartments had sales. It was an awesome opportunity for us to meet people and let people know God has sent us here to plant a church. I remember John Wimber saying over and over "You have to tell your story and His story". Tell your story about what God is sending you to do and how He sent you. Tell His story of the cross and the wonderous things of the kingdom of God. So as we go out among people we are doing both, telling His story and our story. Saturday afternoon, Mark and I went out looking at apartments. He has found a job and is ready to find a place to live. At many of the places we shared how God has sent us here to start a new community of Christ followers. We had one apartment rep ask for more information and even say she would stop by and see what we were all about.
Gods ways are not my ways. My little mind can not even get close to the mind of God, yet He is faithful to speak in ways I can hear. What an amazing God He is.
Thursday, October 23, 2003
:: Getting Wisdom
I am a learner. I am trying to get wisdom, understanding, ideas, impartation, free groceries, and just whatever I can from many sources. I am reading Community of Kindess right now. Community of Kindness is just a pragmatic, down to earth, straightforward, authentic work about church planting. It is quickly becoming my favorite church planting book read.
I also have had the privilege of meeting with Dane Yarborough (pastor of Harbor Point Community Church). Dane has been through this process and has been the lead pastor of a group of eight that today has probably a community of 1000 people. He was blessed to spend time with John Wimber. Dane lets me come by once a month and bombard him with church planting questions. I am thankful for this source of help for our community.
I am also thankful for the denomination God has aligned us with. The Foursquare church in Texas is made up of many quality people. Men and women who are authentically pursuing God. These people also have a heart for extending the kingdom of God through church planting.
I have also connected with the emerging church community here in the Dallas area and have some friendships forming there. I am amazed at the support God has surrounded us with and thankful for wisdom He is pouring into us.
I also have had the privilege of meeting with Dane Yarborough (pastor of Harbor Point Community Church). Dane has been through this process and has been the lead pastor of a group of eight that today has probably a community of 1000 people. He was blessed to spend time with John Wimber. Dane lets me come by once a month and bombard him with church planting questions. I am thankful for this source of help for our community.
I am also thankful for the denomination God has aligned us with. The Foursquare church in Texas is made up of many quality people. Men and women who are authentically pursuing God. These people also have a heart for extending the kingdom of God through church planting.
I have also connected with the emerging church community here in the Dallas area and have some friendships forming there. I am amazed at the support God has surrounded us with and thankful for wisdom He is pouring into us.
:: Fuel 3 October
We had nine adults and 3 kids Monday night and two of our new regulars were out. Somehow God continues to send us a few new people each Monday. We are committed to giving what we have to who God gives us. This is not just at our Fuel meetings but in context of our daily lives.
I list the numbers not for numbers sake but for a history of who we are and how Jesus is constructing His community of Christ followers here. In all honesty as a beginning church planter I have been tempted to count my daughters life size stuffed animal Clifford a couple of times.
Monday, I had such a strong sense of the Lords presence and power in our midst. Our worship seemed particularly energized.
At the front end we had everyone read five scriptures passages and ask the questions "What is God saying in these passages?" and "Is He saying anything to me?". I love how the treasures of peoples heart and of His heart come out as we read, meditate, and share about what God is saying to us through Scripture.
I list the numbers not for numbers sake but for a history of who we are and how Jesus is constructing His community of Christ followers here. In all honesty as a beginning church planter I have been tempted to count my daughters life size stuffed animal Clifford a couple of times.
Monday, I had such a strong sense of the Lords presence and power in our midst. Our worship seemed particularly energized.
At the front end we had everyone read five scriptures passages and ask the questions "What is God saying in these passages?" and "Is He saying anything to me?". I love how the treasures of peoples heart and of His heart come out as we read, meditate, and share about what God is saying to us through Scripture.
:: Stepping out from the land of logic
Ever hear a phrase and have it stick to you like syrup. You just can't get it off. I heard a young woman speak of stepping out from the land of logic. When Peter went to Jesus walking on the water, he left the land of logic to follow Christ. In our lives obedience doesn't necessarily make since to our logical minds.
I am finding lately that my walk with God leads me to His peace but takes me away from my comfort. My obedience leads me to be involved with the kingdom of God not my personal success. Like Peter I am doin my darndest to keep my eyes on Jesus see what He is saying to me. Also like Peter at times, I look around me and see the sea and the waves and my logical mind kicks in and says "Are you crazy, what are you doing out in the deep?"
So this phrase continues to stir in me, and to wrestle with me, and most of all to challenge me. The challenge is to obey, even when I don't understand. God is so far above my rationality.
I am finding lately that my walk with God leads me to His peace but takes me away from my comfort. My obedience leads me to be involved with the kingdom of God not my personal success. Like Peter I am doin my darndest to keep my eyes on Jesus see what He is saying to me. Also like Peter at times, I look around me and see the sea and the waves and my logical mind kicks in and says "Are you crazy, what are you doing out in the deep?"
So this phrase continues to stir in me, and to wrestle with me, and most of all to challenge me. The challenge is to obey, even when I don't understand. God is so far above my rationality.
Sunday, October 12, 2003
:: Garage Sale top 10
Saturday morning was a garage sale morning for Ethan, Mark, and I. Dallas is a great place for garage sales. There are a lot of wealthy people who get rid of some good stuff to have better stuff (sounds like a standup comic dialogue). I found a 21" Sony Trinitron monitor the other day for $40 because someone wanted a flatscreen instead. Mark found a wireless fm set up with headphones Saturday for 1.00. I found Ethan a whole crate of contex for $1.00. While on our excursion we came up with a garage sale don'ts top 10.
10. Don't forget your address on the garage sale sign.
9. Don't have bad stuff at your sale (you gotta have some furniture and tech stuff).
8. Don't tell customers where to park.
7. Don't just have junk in a box, put it out to be seen.
6. Don't charge retail prices for garage sale stuff.
5. Don't forget to have at least one Elvis item.
4. Don't use less than 5 signs to get to your place.
3. Don't leave old garage sale signs up beyond the week of the sale.
2. Don't leave out old food on your sale tables.
1. Don't sell your wifes stuff without asking first.
10. Don't forget your address on the garage sale sign.
9. Don't have bad stuff at your sale (you gotta have some furniture and tech stuff).
8. Don't tell customers where to park.
7. Don't just have junk in a box, put it out to be seen.
6. Don't charge retail prices for garage sale stuff.
5. Don't forget to have at least one Elvis item.
4. Don't use less than 5 signs to get to your place.
3. Don't leave old garage sale signs up beyond the week of the sale.
2. Don't leave out old food on your sale tables.
1. Don't sell your wifes stuff without asking first.
Thursday, October 09, 2003
:: Among Thorns
We went to a conference where Among Thorns were doing the worship and then later a concert. They opened the concert with Shelter Me, one of my favorites.
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
:: Help me, I'm deconstructing
I was at lunch today with a new friend Chandra. We were dialoguing about the whole idea of deconstruction, is it good, is it bad, do we need it? I really enjoyed the interchange of ideas. As I was reflecting on the conversation I was thinking about how as disciples of Christ we are to deconstruct daily (Paul, said "I die daily"). We are to deconstruct our old self-centered impulses and reactions and construct our new self-less identity which is centered on our relationship with Christ.
Deconstruction is very relative to our existence. My prayer today is God show me the identity walls that need deconstructing and work in me to tear them down while at the same time work in me to embrace the constructs of life in the kingdom of God building towards eternity.
Deconstruction is very relative to our existence. My prayer today is God show me the identity walls that need deconstructing and work in me to tear them down while at the same time work in me to embrace the constructs of life in the kingdom of God building towards eternity.
Tuesday, October 07, 2003
:: 1st Oct Fuel
Last night we began with Fuel with funny stories that happened in community or at a faith event. The funniest had to be Chris telling about the time he was playing ball at some church event. He grabbed his sweat pants to pull them off and inadvertently grabbed his shorts too. Some older saint close by let out a "Oh my gosh". I told them of our friend Karen when leading worship and being a tad bit nervous while in Europe said "Worship me, as I sing this song".
Then there was the time I saw an elderly gentleman baptize a lady weighing about 300 pounds, she went down and he just couldn't hold her. You see her feet go straight up in the air over the baptismal tank. We all voted yes that these maybe very spiritual moments in community and that God loves joy and laughter.
Chris had up recite the Nicene creed during worship and gave a little background on how it was created. The Nicene creed is a solid work of theology. There was a sweet presence of God during our worship. I was encouraged at the extended time of silence we took at the end.
We had three friends come by from Mars Hill (an emerging community in Richardson). It was an encouragement to us to have Justin, Jeff and Josh worship with us. They told us that Mars Hill had adopted the Nicene Creed as their doctrinal statement of faith.
It was a good night of laughter, worship and being with the saints.
Then there was the time I saw an elderly gentleman baptize a lady weighing about 300 pounds, she went down and he just couldn't hold her. You see her feet go straight up in the air over the baptismal tank. We all voted yes that these maybe very spiritual moments in community and that God loves joy and laughter.
Chris had up recite the Nicene creed during worship and gave a little background on how it was created. The Nicene creed is a solid work of theology. There was a sweet presence of God during our worship. I was encouraged at the extended time of silence we took at the end.
We had three friends come by from Mars Hill (an emerging community in Richardson). It was an encouragement to us to have Justin, Jeff and Josh worship with us. They told us that Mars Hill had adopted the Nicene Creed as their doctrinal statement of faith.
It was a good night of laughter, worship and being with the saints.
Monday, October 06, 2003
:: Time keeps on slippin, slippin, slippin . . .
I can't believe that there's been no blogging for a week. Time shot by. I found myself wrestling much this week. There was much emotional dissonance. Feeling of loneliness seemed to pound at me. I questioned my own capacities to manage what God wants to do with this church plant called Resonance. I've read the books and know that this is all part of the territory of pioneering a church.
My greatest fear is that I won't allow God to use this for me to depend on Him more and end up using the struggle to convince myself to make it all happen.
As I press in to God. I hear His reminder to keep focused on Him, to continue to renew my mind in the matters of the kingdom of God, to continue to pursue being morphed into the likeness of the man/Christ Jesus. So I embrace the wrestling in my emotions as good. Good because they will direct me to call out to the almighty. Good because I become aware of my extreme weakness and turn to my true source of strength which is God.
I am reminded by a message I heard this week that my place is to obey God. If I am to do that I have to put my trust in him daily, hourly, minute by minute. And not a trust that is fluff. It's easy to say you trust God when your feet are on secure ground and your emotions are comfortable. Real trust is when we take a big risk, one so great that there is no way it happens unless God moves and comes through. That is where we are at. So we embrace the brokenness, we embrace His strength, we embrace the journey and we continue to embrace our God.
My greatest fear is that I won't allow God to use this for me to depend on Him more and end up using the struggle to convince myself to make it all happen.
As I press in to God. I hear His reminder to keep focused on Him, to continue to renew my mind in the matters of the kingdom of God, to continue to pursue being morphed into the likeness of the man/Christ Jesus. So I embrace the wrestling in my emotions as good. Good because they will direct me to call out to the almighty. Good because I become aware of my extreme weakness and turn to my true source of strength which is God.
I am reminded by a message I heard this week that my place is to obey God. If I am to do that I have to put my trust in him daily, hourly, minute by minute. And not a trust that is fluff. It's easy to say you trust God when your feet are on secure ground and your emotions are comfortable. Real trust is when we take a big risk, one so great that there is no way it happens unless God moves and comes through. That is where we are at. So we embrace the brokenness, we embrace His strength, we embrace the journey and we continue to embrace our God.
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